Nigerian carrier Air Peace has successfully repatriated 78 women trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire under false promises of employment, offering free flights and medical care to aid their recovery. The airline deployed a Boeing 737 aircraft (registration 5N-BQV) on Saturday, flying from Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Abidjan’s Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport to bring the survivors home.
Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema described the mission as a critical step in restoring the dignity of the victims, who endured severe exploitation. “These women suffered unimaginable dehumanization. Our goal is to make them feel valued by their country again,” he said. The airline will cover all medical expenses for the survivors at Duchess Hospital, including comprehensive testing and treatment.
The repatriation followed advocacy efforts by social media activist VeryDarkMan, who amplified the women’s plight. Onyema urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against trafficking networks, emphasizing collective responsibility in combating the crime.
At a reception in Lagos, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Director-General Binta Bello hailed the collaboration that secured the women’s return, vowing to prosecute arrested traffickers. “Nigeria will never tolerate this crime. We welcome these survivors home and will support their rehabilitation,” she stated.
Nigerian Embassy officials in Côte d’Ivoire, including Chargée d’Affaires Paul Obi and community leader Michael Onwuchelu, facilitated documentation and logistics. Obi noted the operation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, stating, “This mission restored their freedom and humanity, reflecting our nation’s unity and compassion.”
